POS0049-HPR PATIENT SATISFACTION WITH THE INTERDISCIPLINARY, RHEUMATOLOGIST-MANAGED AND RHEUMATOLOGY NURSE-CONDUCTED, DIAGNOSTIC APPROACH FOR FIBROMYALGIA PATIENTS
Authors: D. Nørlov
Journal: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases (2022)

Background Based on the evidence that substituting specialized nurses for rheumatologist in the diagnostic process for fibromyalgia (FM) is safe (Kroese et al., 2008) and leads to patient satisfaction and reduction of costs (Kroese et al., 2011), the Capital Region of Denmark increased its respective capacities by introducing a rheumatologist-managed and specialized nurse-conducted diagnostic approach at the Frederiksberg Hospital in January 2018. Objectives The objective of this quality insurance survey was to get patients’ feedback on their satisfaction with the nurse-conducted diagnostic approach. Methods An evaluation-questionnaire was developed. Patients were asked: Did you feel confident in the nurse-conducted diagnostic approach? How clearly did the nurse communicate? How much did you profit from the final, diagnostic consultation with the nurse? Do you feel the need for further medical examinations? The answers were given on a 4-point Likert scale with the points: to a high degree; to some degree; to a lesser degree; not at all. All patients that had undergone the diagnostic approach were offered to evaluate it by anonymously filling in the evaluation-questionnaire on an iPad. The data analysis consisted of counting the number and calculating the percentage of respondents in each of the response-categories. Results 601 patients were offered to evaluate the approach during the period from 1.1.2018 to 27.2.2020. 60% (n=358) of these patients filled in the evaluation questionnaire. 88% (n=315) of the respondents were very confident in the nurse-conducted diagnostic process, as well as thought that the nurses communicated very clearly. Furthermore, 94% (n=317) of the respondents thought that they profited from the nurse-conducted diagnostic consultation focused on the explanation of FM and treatment options. Lastly, only 11 % (n=39) felt a pronounced need for further examination. Complete overview of the results is presented in the Table 1. Number and % of respondents per each question and per each response category. Table 1. Number and % of respondents per each question and per each response category. Questions Total number of respondents Number of respondents (%) per each Likert scale point to a high degree to some degree To a lesser degree not at all Confidence in the nurse 358 315 (88%) 28 (8%) 11 (3%) 4 (1%) Clarity of nurse- communication 358 315 (88%) 39 (11%) 4 (1%) 0 (0%) Profit from the diagnostic consultation 338 189 (56%) 128 (38%) 17 (5%) 4 (1%) Perceived need for further examinations 357 39 (11%) 82 (23%) 114 (32%) 122 (34%) Conclusion The patients were confident in the nurse-conducted diagnostic process and had profited from the diagnostic consultation focused on the explanation of FM and current treatment options. Thus, specially trained nurses contribute to the effectiveness of the FM diagnostic process and to patients’ satisfaction. This facilitates patients’ timelier access to treatment options. References [1]Kroese ME, Schulpen GJ, Bessems MC, Severens JL, Nijhuis FJ, Geusens PP, Landewé RB, 2008, Substitution of specialized rheumatology nurses for rheumatologists in the diagnostic process of fibromyalgia: a randomized controlled trial. Arthritis Rheum . 15; 59(9):1299-305. [2]Kroese ME, Severens JL, Schulpen GJ, Bessems MC, Nijhuis FJ, Landewé RB, 2011, Specialized rheumatology nurse substitutes for rheumatologists in the diagnostic process of fibromyalgia: a cost-consequence analysis and a randomized controlled trial . J Rheumatol . 38(7):1413-22. Disclosure of Interests None declared